Functional Genomics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (National Cancer Centre, Singapore)

Unit Code

01725

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Divison of Medical Sciences
National Cancer Center
11 Hospital Drive
Singapore 69610
and
Department of Biochemistry
National University of Singapore
MD7, #05-10, 8 Medical Drive
Singapore 117597

web:www.med.nus.edu.sg/bioweb/faculty/lee/17/sld001.htm

Unit Points

Research Points: 100

Coursework Points: 0

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Dr Caroline Lee
Laboratory of Cancer Functional Genomics Laboratory
Division of Medical Sciences
National Cancer Center
11 Hospital Drive
Singapore 169610

tel: +65 6436 8353
fax: +65 6224 1778
email: bchleec@nus.edu.sg

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Overall Objectives

Introduce the student(s) to the process of biomedical research and train the student in scientific thinking.
Introduce the student(s) to modern molecular and cellular techniques to address a common disease, namely cancer.
Develop the students' basic skills in oral and written presentation

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Content

Coursework: Nil. However, the student(s) will be encouraged to audit courses (organised by the National University of Singapore) of their interest and relevant to their lab attachment.

Research: Students will be exposed to various basic molecular and cell biological techniques. Depending on the project the student selects, s/he may be exposed to: a) Genetic Engineering techniques including cloning, DNA (plasmid/genomic) and RNA isolation, PCR, PCR mutagenesis, DNA sequencing, Northern, Southern, Western Blot analysis, etc.
b) Mutation/Polymorphism detection and screening techniques including dHPLC, fluorescence polarization, SNAPshot, etc.
c) Cellular techniques including basic cell culture, transfection of recombinant DNA into cells, analysis of gene expression and function of the introduced genes in the cells including apoptosis and cell-cycle analyses using the fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS), immunofluorescence, etc.
d) Laser capture microdissection to isolate homogenous populations of cells from pathological slides for molecular analyses.
e) Basic Bioinformatics including the use of various biological search engines e.g. PubMed, GenBank, etc as well as genetic engineering tools e.g. Vector NTI, DNAstar as well as data analyses tools.

Sample Research Topics:

1. Mutation screening of cancer-associated genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
2. Role of HBV protein, HBx in the process of carcinogenesis.
3. Role of FAT10 (diubiquitin) in the process of carcinogenesis.

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 100 points
Research Report (up to 10,000 words): 75%
Laboratory Notebook: 5%
Oral presentation: 10%
Supervisor's Evaluation: 10%

Coursework Component: 0 points
N/A

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
2

Prospective students please note: to be eligible for any overseas AMS unit, you must have attained an aggregate of at least 70% in the University of Melbourne medical course.